🚨 Matterhorn Bobsleds: Discomfort Complaints and What Riders Need to Know
Is Disneyland’s Iconic Roller Coaster Too Painful to Enjoy?
The Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland is one of the most famous rides in theme park history. Opened in 1959, this thrilling attraction has been a must-visit for generations of Disney fans.
However, while it offers exhilarating drops and sharp turns, it has also earned a reputation for being one of the most uncomfortable rides in the park.
Many riders have taken to online forums and review sites to complain about back pain, rough jolts, and overall discomfort after riding the Matterhorn Bobsleds. But is the ride really that bad, or are these just exaggerated complaints?
In this in-depth review, we’ll explore the most common complaints about Matterhorn Bobsleds, why it feels so rough, and whether or not it’s worth riding in 2025.
What Is the Matterhorn Bobsleds Ride?
The Matterhorn Bobsleds is a steel roller coaster designed to resemble the real Matterhorn Mountain in the Swiss Alps.
It was the first-ever tubular steel roller coaster and remains a Disneyland exclusive, meaning you won’t find this ride at any other Disney park in the world.
Key Ride Features:
🎢 Two separate tracks (one on the Fantasyland side, the other on the Tomorrowland side)
🏔️ Artificial snow-covered mountain with yeti animatronics
⏳ Ride duration: Around 2 minutes, 30 seconds
🚀 Top speed: Approximately 27 mph
📏 Height requirement: 42 inches (107 cm)
While it’s not the fastest or tallest roller coaster, its sharp twists, sudden drops, and rough track design have led to numerous complaints about discomfort.
Why Do People Complain About the Matterhorn Bobsleds?
Despite being a beloved classic, the Matterhorn Bobsleds has frequently been criticized for its bumpy and painful ride experience. Here are the most common complaints from riders:
1. The Ride Is Extremely Rough
Many riders say the Matterhorn Bobsleds is one of the roughest and most jarring rides at Disneyland. The coaster’s track doesn’t have the same smoothness as modern roller coasters, leading to a ride that can feel like being shaken around in a tin can.
- Frequent sudden jerks and jolts make it uncomfortable.
- Sharp turns cause riders to slam into the sides of the sled.
- Minimal padding on seats offers little protection from impact.
Older riders or those with back, neck, or joint issues often report lingering soreness after riding.
2. Seating Is Cramped and Uncomfortable
The bobsled-style seating design forces riders to sit low to the ground with their legs stretched out. This position can be uncomfortable, especially for taller riders or those with knee problems.
- No proper back support, leading to awkward posture.
- Tight leg space, making it difficult to adjust your position.
- Hard plastic seating with little cushioning.
Riders over 6 feet tall often say they feel cramped and unable to enjoy the ride comfortably.
3. The Ride Has a History of Causing Back and Neck Pain
One of the biggest complaints about the Matterhorn Bobsleds is that it can cause or worsen back and neck pain.
- The constant vibrations put pressure on the spine.
- Sudden stops can cause whiplash-like movements.
- Some riders report feeling stiff or sore for hours after riding.
Disney even added new ride vehicles in 2012 to improve comfort, but many guests claim that the changes didn’t help much.
4. It’s Too Loud and Shaky
Another common issue is that the coaster is very loud, which can make the ride even more unpleasant.
- The track’s metal structure amplifies noise, making it one of the noisiest rides at Disneyland.
- The vibrations from the wheels create a constant rattling sensation.
For those sensitive to loud sounds or intense vibrations, the ride can feel more overwhelming than enjoyable.
Is the Matterhorn Bobsleds Worth Riding?
Despite the complaints about discomfort, the Matterhorn Bobsleds remains one of the most iconic rides at Disneyland. Whether it’s worth riding depends on your tolerance for rough coasters and physical discomfort.
Who Should Ride the Matterhorn?
✅ Thrill-seekers who don’t mind a rough ride
✅ Disney nostalgia fans who want to experience a historic attraction
✅ Kids and first-time visitors looking for a fun, unique roller coaster
Who Should Avoid It?
❌ People with back, neck, or joint issues
❌ Anyone sensitive to sudden jolts or loud noises
❌ Riders over 6 feet tall who may find it too cramped
If you love fast-paced, bumpy rides, you might enjoy the Matterhorn Bobsleds. But if you prefer a smooth and comfortable coaster, you might want to skip it.
Tips for a More Comfortable Matterhorn Ride
If you still want to ride but want to reduce discomfort, try these tips:
🎟️ Choose the Fantasyland track – It’s slightly smoother than the Tomorrowland track.
🦵 Sit in the front row – The back seats feel more intense and bumpy.
🛑 Avoid leaning forward – Keep your back against the seat to absorb shocks better.
🕒 Ride early in the day – The ride gets rougher as the day goes on due to wear.
🔊 Use earplugs – If you’re sensitive to loud noises, this can help.
Final Thoughts: Is the Matterhorn Bobsleds Too Painful?
The Matterhorn Bobsleds is a Disneyland classic, but its rough ride experience and frequent discomfort complaints make it a love-it-or-hate-it attraction.
If you can handle a bumpy, jarring roller coaster, it’s worth trying at least once. But if you have back pain, motion sensitivity, or prefer smooth coasters, you might want to skip it and ride Space Mountain instead.
💬 Have you ridden the Matterhorn Bobsleds? Did you experience discomfort? Share your experience in the comments!
Leave Your Complaint…
Related Posts